7 Money-Saving Tips to Keep Your Finances on Track

Are you someone that lies awake thinking about your credit card balance? Do you consider how late payments are affecting your credit score — or why you cannot seem to be saving any money? If you are often dipping into your overdraft, constantly living in the ‘red’ — it’s time to take positive action.

You Can Improve Your Current Financial State

Regardless of your current financial state, you can experience a more stable financial future. In order to become financially independent, however, you must begin living on less than you earn — period. Even if you are in debt, you must live by this rule.

Just remember, it’s not the amount of money that makes you ‘rich’ — it’s how you manage that money. As you learn to acquire good finance habits and develop more effective money management skills, you too will experience greater financial freedom.

Seven Money-Saving Tips to Improve Your Finances

When you make a plan, you’d be amazed at what you can achieve. As you begin to accomplish small goals, you will gain greater motivation and self-confidence. You can take action today, improving your financial health for years to come.

1. Budget for expenses and saving

You need to sit down and crunch some numbers. Although your situation may be unique, the 50/30/20 rule is often useful. The concept here is that 50% of your income should be spent on the essentials, such as your fixed expenses; 30% should be used to purchase additional desired living expenses and optional extras; followed by 20% to pay off debt and to save.

Toptip: Make a spreadsheet based on your fixed (mortgage payments, utilities, car payments, etc.) and variable expenses (groceries, entertainment, gas, etc.) in relation to your income. This will help you see where you need to cut back so that you can tackle your debt and begin saving.

2. Reevaluate your bills

Although 10 extra dollars here and 15 extra dollars there may not seem like a big deal, it all adds up at the end of the month. Here are a few tips to get you back on-track:

When it comes to your utility bills, start comparing. If you are already with the best energy provider, then it’s time to become more energy efficient. Begin researching some of the top energy-saving tips, as outlined by the Department of Energy.

In relation to communications, be aware of where your money goes. Do you exceed your monthly mobile allowance each month? Then perhaps it’s time to switch to a package that makes more sense for your needs. Better yet, bundle your mobile phone, internet, and cable services for instant savings.

3. Effectively target your debt so that you can save

When aiming to save money, it may seem counterintuitive to address your debt — but this is a very important step. If you have debt that’s accumulating interest in the background, what’s the point of saving? Begin with the most expensive debts first, including credit cards and other loans that incur high penalties.

Prioritize, and when the most expensive debt is clear, you’ll already be in the habit of transferring x-amount each month. With your debt gone, those funds can now be transferred into a savings account. However, there isn’t a one size-fits-all strategy, so if you’re struggling to get out of debt and improve your credit score, you may want to consider professional credit services to get back on-track.

4. Learn to minimize

Your budget will quickly show where your money is going. Whether you often shop at department stores or love to shop online, it’s time to cut back. Spending, spending, and spending some more actually distracts us from what’s truly important to us. Get rid of clutter, sell off items you no longer need, and put that money into a savings account. You’ll feel like a major weight has been lifted from your shoulders.

5. Quit spending money you don’t have

Credit cards can be great — they can help you make timely payments and even gain cash back. But if you’re spending frivolously, your debt can quickly spiral out-of-control. Always remember that golden rule, ‘do not spend more money than you earn.’ If you only make $3000 a month, but are spending an average of $5500, you can clearly see where the problem lies. At that rate, you’ll not only go into deeper debt, but you’ll never be able to save a penny.

6. Save a little each month

Even if you make $25,000 a year, it’s still possible for you to save a substantial amount by the time you reach retirement. Equating to just over $2080 a month, if you saved $180 of that each month, after 50 years, you will have an additional $108,000. If you can’t imagine putting away $180 of your monthly income, then you need to revisit your budget and change your personal financial habits. Everyone can save — the difference is, not everyone can save based on their current spending habits.

7. Take advantage of customer reward programs

No matter where you live or where you shop, there are retailers that will reward you. Focus on places where you shop regardless — such as your local grocery store. Do they offer a points program? If you are spending $100 on your family’s groceries, you may as well benefit. In many cases, you’ll be able to use these points to get free groceries. Also, don’t be shy to coupon!

As you make small improvements each day, these will quickly add up, allowing you to develop better financial habits. And remember, having stacks of cash in the bank isn’t freedom — but being in control of what you have certainly is.

OVATION CREDIT

They have done miracles for me. I had some unknown reports and also had a stolen identity issue and they work wonders. I highly recommend Ovation, they keep in touch, explain everything and are very affordable. If you have credit issues, do yourself a favor and call Ovation!

They did everything that they said they could.My credit was ruined due to identity theft in 2017.I found out about Ovation Credit Repair called and they were very helpful and had a lot of information That I didn’t know. I explained everything and they said not a problem they could handle it and they did. The only problem I have with them is having to send them credit reports for what I paid they should find an easier way to get that accomplished like in a text or easy email but all and all they did exactly what they said they were going to do and I now have excellent credit. Thanks Ovation CreditMC

Great company to work with that will help remove creditors that shouldn't be on your credit. Ms.Susan McCoy has been so wonderful to with. (If you can request someone to work with you, I would request her!!) She keeps in contact with you by emails & phone calls to just check in to see how things are going & if she can help with anything else. She definitely does her part in helping get things removed from your credit report. It's only been acouple months working with Ms. McCoy, but we have gotten alot removed from my credit report. BIG THANK YOU to Ms. Susan McCoy @ Ovations Credit Services.

Within 2 month's there has been negative items deleted from my credit report and my credit score went up some. This is a good company to help people that have items in there credit report that doesn't belong there. Monica Tinsley is my credit advisor, she has been helping me every step of the way. So come on you'll, give this company a try.

I just want to say how appreciative I am to Ovation. Maria Murlanda has been nothing but helpful and worked hard (still working hard) to help me reach my goal. My credit just increased 103 points! At first, I was bit uneasy about the process but having the patience and trust in my Credit Advisor is probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever done. Just an FYI, this is not done over night. My husband’s credit is also rising and we are steps closer to getting our first house together! Thank you so much Ovation for working hard for your clients and to Maria.. you are amazing!!!

I had a negative mark on my credit which was making it difficult to start building good credit as a young guy, and Ovation was able to remove my negative mark on every bureau's report fairly quickly. My case advisor Monica Tinsley was efficient, knowledgeable, and quick to answer when I sent her emails. She always made sure to keep the ball rolling on my disputes so that no time was wasted. I would recommend their service to anyone who would like a clean slate on their credit reports.

I just want to say I am very very happy with this company as I used to have Lexington Law and they were a complete rip off no wonder they’re being sued if people don’t know. I have literally may not even two payments and my credit score has went from A little over 400 to 600 already and that is at the lowest plan they have available I was now able to be approved for a capital one card for $500 with a great interest rate they give you your own credit advisor always call you back if you need them and you can’t reach anyone at the time without this company and having a new baby on the way I would not have been able to finally start getting my credit back to where it used to be shot outs to ben, Paul And Cheryl my credit counselor. I would recommend this company to anyone and I have been because of them I’m finally getting my life back on track in such a short period of time it all depends on how much of course you have on your credit report that you need to have taken off but they’ve been excellent. Not only that they try to get things done as quick as possible so you don’t have to keep paying for a long period of time they really work hard for you and I appreciate everything they’ve done for me in such a short period of time. Thank you all so much!!!

The case adviser was competent and professional. She is getting me back on track and is vigorously, restoring my confidence/credit back. She is assume and everyone who is trying to restore their credit back, should consult with her ! Her name is Annette Stephens and she is the best.

I joined for 4 months and they have been able to send disputes and get so many negative items removed raising my credit score over 75 points. I have seen my score jump up each month consistently. I would definitely recommend if you are trying to get on track with raising your credit score.

I’m very blessed to have Ovation Credit Repair to be working on my credit report. Less than 4 months my credit went from 500 to 653 and the progress is still going up. 47 more points and I can get that loan I’ve been trying to get. Thanks Team Ovation

I got a email from Lending Tree saying that I am pre-approved for a loan. After learning that I had some credit issues, I got in touch with Ovation Credit Repair I had 5 negatives and 7 inquiries on my report. After being a client of Ovation Credit Repair, within 3 months my credit went from the low 500 to 653 and it’s still going up. Thanks team Ovation for the work you guys are doing and continue to do for me. TWO THUMBS UP!

After having some issues that I considered to be very serious, Ovation Credit Services reached out to me and stepped up and not only fix the issues, but offered their services at a discounted rate for the future if I needed them. Christina is one of the best representative for a company than I have ever dealt with. Not only did she show personal interest in my situation, she followed through with everything that she promised. I'm very satisfied.

I have had issues with my credit score, I asked around and friend of mine referred Ovation credit services to me with emphasis to ask about Susan McCoy to be my caseworker, Susan McCoy was nice, courteous respectful and the most important parts she is honest, she explained to me that she will file the disputes and I need to be patient, it could take a few months and she will do her best, well her best was amazing after two weeks of her working on my case my numbers jumped from low 600's to 750's, all the disputes went through, I was shocked, happy and forever gracious.Thank you Susan you are the best.

In my previous line of work , I would refer people to credit repair places. I quit doing that because I would get bad feedback on the places . Life changes and I found myself in need of credit repair. Ovation not only fixed my reports but I still retain them a year later because they are spot on in watching and making sure nothing negative is put on there. I recently was a victim of fraud and Ovation called me to ask why so many inquiries recently? Very very pleased with Ovation!Kudos to my guy Nick. Patient man is all I can say ! Great company that gets results !!!Debbi Britt

I AM VERY HAPPY!!!! I was hesitant at first but working with Gerri as been a great experience, our communication is always open and prompt. Ovation Credit has shown me that It's never too late to establish and repair your credit. I appreciate you Gerri. 🙂 Thank you

I AM VERY HAPPY!!!! I was hesitant at first but working with Gerri as been a great experience, our communication is always open and prompt. Ovation Credit has shown me that It's never too late to establish and repair your credit. I appreciate you Gerri. 🙂 Thank you

Susan McCoy is an amazingly kind and caring lady! She helped us navigate through a number of old debts thereby increasing our FICO score from low 400s to over 680 in under 3 months! We have now qualified for a 0% down VA home loan which will CLOSE less than 5 months after working with Susan. Our credit repair coalition with Susan ran flawlessly with absolutely amazingly quick-term resolution! There are no words to express the gratitude we owe to Susan and to her amazing resources within Ovation Credit. Thank you so much for all you've done for us!

I was looking for a company to fix my score credit since there was only one late payment from almost 10 years ago and i did not know that was the reason pulling my score down. The process and communication was amazing and Jenny Owen did an amazing job. After three months my credit score is up ! even when i decided to close my account the process and follow up was amazing ! i would recommend Ovation Credit Services and Jenny Owen

I AM VERY HAPPY!!!! I was hesitant at first but working with Gerri as been a great experience, our communication is always open and prompt. Ovation Credit has shown me that It's never too late to establish and repair your credit. I appreciate you Gerri. 🙂 Thank you

I've been a member of Ovation Credit Services for the past four months and overall my experience has been positive. Rose Marie has been filing disputes on my credit reports for the past few months and helped my credit reports return to a clean slate. I had one collections account reported to all three credit bureaus. Now, all of my credit scores are in the 700s and I can move on with my life. I certainly recommend Ovation Credit Services.

I've been a member of Ovation Credit Services for the past four months and overall my experience has been positive. Rose Marie has been filing disputes on my credit reports for the past few months and helped my credit reports return to a clean slate. I had one collections account reported to all three credit bureaus and I honestly didn't want to wait seven years for the collections account to fall off. Now, all of my credit scores are in the 700s and I can move on with my life. I certainly recommend Ovation Credit Services.

I made the right decision by choosing to fix my credit with Ovation Credit Services. it’s only been a couple of months, however, great progress and bettering each month forward. my selected Case Advisor, Monica Tinsley has been extremely helpful and proactive at sending out disputes and getting bad remarks off from my report. thank you so much for your help. highly recommend.

I made the right decision by choosing to fix my credit with Ovation Credit Services. it’s only been a couple of months, however, great progress and bettering each month forward. my selected Case Advisor, Monica Tinsley has been extremely helpful and proactive at sending out disputes and getting bad remarks off from my report. thank you so much for your help. highly recommend.

Extremely helpful service to improve your credit score. The people I have spoken with over the phone have all been thorough and effective in helping my credit score. I would recommend them to anyone looking for this type of service.

I started with Ovation Credit Service back in 2017. I was in need of getting my credit back on track, within months I saw my credit score on the raise. Now in 2019 I feel confident with my credit. Ovation was so easy to work with and the monthly payments which were quite reasonable, were well worth it. So if your feeling that there is just no way of getting your credit repaired call Ovation Credit Service and feel good again about yourself and your credit score. Get your credit repaired and your life back on track. Don't hesitate they can help you.

I first want to say how happy I am with Gerri. We have had a lot of laughs together which has made me feel very comfortable with her. We are now down to one credit bureau and I am so grateful. It is perfect timing because I am looking to move to Santa Rosa to be closer to my son. I would give her a 10 on a scale of 1-10 or 5 on a scale of 1-5. Thank you Ovation Credit Services I will recommend your services to other people. Thanks, so much Michele Soplata

I am extremely happy with the service that I received from Ovation Credit. My credit score jumped over a 100 points in only eight months, and I was able to get the loan I needed to consolidate my debts at a much better interest rate. Everyone overseeing my case was friendly, knowledgeable and stayed in consistent communication with me. I would definitely recommend this agency!

I am very happy with the progress Ovation is making on my credit score so far. Only 3 months in and they have had more than 15 negative reports removed from my Credit Report. I started with a FICO score of under 620 and after 3 months it is over 670 and still potential to climb. Special thanks to my Case Adviser PAUL MOORE JR., who is doing a great job leading me through this journey and providing excellent advice and tips along the way.

I am extremely happy with the service that I received from Ovation Credit. My credit score jumped! Nick Rosamilia is absolutely AMAZING! He has been nothing but friendly, knowledgeable and stays in consistent communication about updates. I would definitely recommend this agency!

I am extremely happy with the service that I received from Ovation Credit. My credit score jumped almost a 100 points and I only had the service for two month! Paul Moore was absolutely AMAZING! He was friendly, knowledgeable and stayed in consistent communication with me. I would definitely recommend this agency!

After reviewing various companies that could help us improve our credit scores, we were lucky enough to find Gerri at Ovation Credit Services. From the first phone call, we knew we were in good hands and she was really going to make a difference in our lives. Finding someone who you can trust and is sincerely help you with this sensitive subject is a huge relief. Things are already improving and the entire process is made a million times better working with someone who has a smile strongly come thru!

I had an incredible experience with Ovation Credit Services. I was able to purchase my first home with their assistance. My counselor worked diligently to keep me informed about the progress with my case. She also educated me about the most effective ways to continue to increase my credit score.

Ovation went all out to help me save my credit rating, and did a great job of restoring my rating to a very high level. I would and have recommended this company to anyone . My hat is off to L.A. Williams especially for her efforts to help me out of a deep hole. Thanks again

My husband and I are preparing to buy our first home and wanted to our credit reviewed by professionals. We did our research and found Ovation best suited our needs. Best decision we could have made. We were lucky enough to get Dale Moore as our counselor and hope that you go the extra mile and try and request him. Dale makes you feel like you are his only client which in today's world is very rare. We are happy to say that our credit scores are hugely improved and are on schedule to buy this summer. Thank you Dale and thank you Ovation!!

When I first started my subscription with this company I was a little hesitant but after six to eight months my credit score went from a 520 when I started to a 700. 90$ month is a little steep but they actually work if you have patience and send them all the information they ask for they will do exactly as they promised I highly recommend this service if you can't get your credit fixed

Jenny is very helpful. Everytime there’s an update on my account she emails me. Whenever something happens whether she s making an inquiry or the credit companies update her she lets me know. Looking forward to seeing my credit score rise as I’ve only been with them a month. So far everything is going good.

Ovation credit services a Lending Tree company has been such a blessing to me. My personal creditor Chad Self, has gone the extra mile in being personable and kind to me. I would like to point out that I had hired a different company in the past for a lesser rate and got exactly that... a cut-rate service and did not feel like I was a valued member.With Ovation, I feel like my investment is worth so much more than the monthly dues. Not only do they help repair negative items on your credit but by partnering with Lending Tree they can help you establish credit and qualify for loans as well. More bang for your buck folks! As well, they have a referral program. So be sure to tell them that Darla Watrous sent you. I'm serious folks, best credit decision I've ever made! As well as the top of the line customer service. Every time I hang up the phone I feel like I just spoke with an old friend. The saying is true, "You get what you pay for!" Thank you kindly to all involved in handling my case. I know if they can help me they can help you too. Don't forget to use my name and tell your friends.

So far Ovations has been very good at letting me know what's going on with my accounts. Paul Moore Jr has been very helpful with all my questions and concerns. I am very happy with everything that has been done. Ovation is helping me achieve my goal of buying a house and I am very confident that they will do that.

My case adviser Rose Marie is absolutely incredible. She is extremely through. Under her expertise my credit score increased an amazing hitting over 700 which allowed me to purchase 2 new cars at low interest rates. Thank you Rose Marie and Ovation Credit Services for a job well done!

I started out being skeptical about this company even after doing my research on this company, but i hung in there, stayed patient and followed their directions and it paid off tremendously. My credit score has risen and i can see the results from my credit score and i was very pleased with the staff and my case advisor who has helped me gain the credit power that i wanted and needed. I couldn't have done this so thoroughly on my own, it would have been very time consuming for me. Now that I have ended my membership with ovation credit services, I can move forward on my own and apply all the techniques that i have been taught by this company. Thank you all at ovation for changing my financial credit ability to a positive.

Thanks to Ms. Lou Ann Willams , my Ovation experience has been a joyously memorable one. I am thankful that she has and is continuing to help me attain my goals with credit. She provides the utmost motivation and dedication to her clients and allows her results to speak for her work, and they are magnificent. Ovation Credit Services has been not just a credit saver but a life saver too. Thank you Ms. Lou Ann, Thank You Ovation. Keep up the phenomenal work.

This by far has been one of the best experiences. Mrs. Stephens has (A. Stephens) been there always to either answer a simple question or walk me through this process. I would recommend this company to anyone who needs a little love on their credit.

I have been working with Mr. Paul Moore via Ovation and he has been very helpful and keeps me abreast of whats going on. I am still nervous about my credit clearing and getting to where it needs to be because I am in the process of buying a home and have seen my score decrease due to this process. However, Paul has assured me that all is well and my score will increase and things will get back to normal. I am looking forward to seeing a positive end result.

Hello all, since 10/2018....my credit was in the 500 range..I was skeptical about ovation, but after speaking with Mr. Paul Moore. I am now looking forward to better days, Ovation has disputed several items and inquiries. I now have a credit card and my scores are rising, I highly recommend this service to Restore your credit. The best hands down!!!!

A Google User

13:03 06 Dec 18

I just want to thank Paul Moore for always staying in top of improving my life.. thank you for keeping me calm all through the process for a better life. Love y’all keep up the good work.

So happy with Ovation!! :)Kevin Winkler is my case manager. I am so pleased with his efforts and hard work. He is always kind, friendly and answers all my questions. Keeps me well updated with the status. I am very satisfied with the progress. I highly recommend this company.

I can't believe how quickly my credit score skyrocketed thanks to ovation credit services. They promptly replied to any questions I had and made it a very easy experience for me. Ceiria was my agent and she did an excellent job and was friendly and professional. Thanks!!!

Over the last two months with the help of Ovation, I have increased my credit score over 100 points on all 3 bureaus. I went from no way ever being able to get a loan to actually being able to replace my 13 year old vehicle and possibly buying a house. It also took effort on my part but it has been the best decision I could make.

This company is great! It certainly is NOT TRUE that this company is a scam...Geri is working hard for myself and my partner. They really get things removed off your credit and help you get started to rebuild it by recommending things for you to do. I had alot of medical bills and student loans. I highly recommend this company, its amazing!!!! You won't be disappointed, and there are different payment plans, you even get a discount for friends and family....Give it a try.... You do have to be patient, it is a process and it does take time...

This company is great! Geri is working hard for me and my partner. They really get things removed off your credit and help you get started to rebuild it... I highly recommend them to anyone, amazing!!!! You won't be disappointed, and there are different payment plans, you even get a discount for friends and family....Give it a try.... You do have to be patient, it is a process and it does take time...

I love this place they're doing their best to get my credit situated and they are working extremely hard on this. Yes it does cost money but it'll be worth it in the end if they can get my credit cleared up. I'm going to give them 3 months and if they don't get it cleared up in 3 months then I will cancel it I don't think it should take any longer than 3 months to clear up my credit. Everyone is so helpful and nice friendly and always there to help you.

Very happy with Ovation! Amanda Hines is my case manager and she has been extremely diligent in the handling of my case. They are always available for questions and pleasant to deal with and have worked miracles on my credit score! 5/5 would recommend to anyone who is serious about fixing their credit.

My wife and I started in 2016 and purchased our second house this year. The key to our success was patience. We also did a lot of studying on our own about credit and made it our priority to ask Amanda questions. Any responses we get in the mail we send them to Amanda. I will be honest, I was getting frustrated after a year and asked my wife to cancel the service several times, I'm glad she didn't 🙂 . We still have some negative items, but mainly just student loans. We used Lexington Law in the past and they have a pretty nice portal so I'm giving this company 4 stars, they need to update their online portal, I don't like it, but other than that Ovation Credit, Lendingtree did what they said they would...Help us get a house with a low interest rate!

While, Ovation credit, did nothing for my credit personally, they helped my husband's immensely. He has a fabulous credit rating now. We both have since canceled, I am under my maiden name on this review, so you will not be able to find me. But my husband and I canceled a month or so ago, and they instantly got us all squared away, and were not charged another penny. They work for some and not for others. I guess I can say that about many things. I would recommend giving them a shot...

I had such a great experience with Ovation Credit Services. They were able to clear almost every negative mark off my credit and t went from a 395 to 650. I know it will keep going up if I pay bill on time.

I’ve been using ovation since 5-01 and it is now 5-08 and I’m getting emails from my credit report site saying “your score has improved” I’m up 40 points (yours will vary) and so thankful for ovation and how quick they are!! My consult is awesome my free consultation was super quick and they are so friendly i never thought i would get a quick laugh in over repairing credit. I can not wait to see how high i can get my credit with these people. They even offer discounts to your friends and family for referring them!! I can’t wait to take advantage of that

Ovation did a good job for me. They were prompt with all actions designed to help my credit score. Ovation communicated with me on a daily basis. They were professional and very nice folks. Thank you very much

I have been working with Gerri Swiber for a short time and so far am very pleased with this experience. She has already dedicated a lot of work to helping me and I am already beginning to see some results. She is very professional and I am very thankful to have this program to help improve my credit. Brian Hasty

I didn't believe that it could work especially with all the scams out there, but it does work. I signed up last year in January and since then i have had 42 things on my credit either removed or updated to show correctly on my credit report. I now have 3 credit cards, and will be purchasing a house this year!!!